SC Hillel

"Today’s Jewish mindfulness meditation is drawing a lot on the faith’s more mystical Hasidic tradition, which made physical embodiment in song, dance and chants a key element of Jewish practice."

How Jewish mindfulness meditation became a mainstay in High Holiday services and beyond (RNS) — The practice of sitting in silence, paying attention to the breath and focusing on the present moment has become pervasive across all the Jewish religious movements.

"It’s a sound, Rabin said, that can wake you up to all the joy and sadness of life, whether it be a birthday horn or a mother’s cry. And it makes you pay attention — both to this moment, and to the year to come."

What the shofar’s ancient sound means on Rosh Hashanah (RNS and NPR) — The shofar marks moments of heightened experience and emotion — and the Jewish new year.

"As the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks coincides with the Jewish new year, Jewish leaders, rabbis and their interfaith partners reflect on what it means to remember — and how to live with what cannot be forgotten."

As 9/11 anniversary falls on Rosh Hashanah, Jews are asked to remember — and move forward NEW YORK (RNS) — As the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks coincides with the Jewish new year, Jewish leaders, rabbis and their interfaith partners reflect on what it means to remember — and how to live with what cannot be forgotten.

Shanah tovah umetukah!

שָׁנָה טוֹבָה וּמְתוּקָה

This evening marks the beginning of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, and opens the Days of Awe, the holiest days in the Jewish calendar.  The year 5787 begins at sundown on the eve of Tishrei 1 (Sept. 11, 2026) and ends after nightfall on Tishrei 2 (Sept. 13, 2026).

It is a time of prayer, a time to ask the Almighty to grant us a year of peace, prosperity and blessing.

The central observance of Rosh Hashanah is blowing the shofar, the symbolism of which recalls both the Horn of Judgement calling us to repentance, but also represents the trumpet heralding a coronation, reminding of G-d’s sovereignty.

The role of faith communities in the wake of September 11:
"For seven months, an Orthodox synagogue and a group of college students ensured victims’ remains were never left alone."

After 9/11, Jewish volunteers kept watch over the dead. 25 years later, the grief remains. For seven months, an Orthodox synagogue and a group of college students ensured victims’ remains were never left alone

Shana Tova! Happy New Year from Springfield College Hillel!
As we celebrate the start of the new year, we reflect both on our blessings and challenges and gather with friends.
Stop by the Campus Union Lobby or the office of Spiritual Life to pick up a Rosh Hashanah goodie bag with apple, honey, challah, and a mini shofar to kick off a sweet new year!

Welcome back!
The start of the new academicyear is also the start of the Jewish New Year! Springfield College Hillel and Spiritual Life are providing transportation to the upcoming Jewish High Holy Days. Please fill out the response form.

This graphic novel illustrates the story of America’s first Jewish congregation — pirates and all ‘Remnants’ tells the story of the 23 Jews who fled Brazil and established Shearith Israel in New York